About our research group/lab
Our research
Research activities within the Laboratory for Population Genomics focus on genetics and genomics of complex traits and common diseases and are assigned to six research lines. Our research group is closely connected to the Human Genomics Facility which provides services to internal and external customers.
Complex Diseases
(Professor dr. André Uitterlinden)
We study genetics and genomics of several common complex diseases and their risk factors, including endocrine and reproductive traits, and more in general ageing. We focus on bringing discoveries and genomic technology into the clinic.
Population Genomics of Locomotor Diseases and Ageing
(Dr. Joyce van Meurs, UHD)
We study population genomics of age-related diseases, with a special focus on osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Focus is also on integrative genomics in population cohorts where multiple genomic levels are combined to understand and predict disease.
Translational Skeletal Genomics
(Professor dr. Fernando Rivadeneira)
We study the determinants of skeletal diseases along the life-course (with special focus on osteoporosis), seeking the translation of genomic discoveries into clinical applications. We do this by applying state-of-the art “big data” analytics integrating genomic functional assessments, imaging and other forms of medical data.
Mendelian Genetics
(Dr. Annemieke Verkerk, UD)
We study monogenetic disease with Mendelian transmission and the population genetic context of pathogenic variations in disease genes.
Microbiome Genomics
(Dr. Robert Kraaij, UD)
We study the microbial organisms in and on our body with next generation sequencing techniques, both in large cohort studies as well as in clinical settings.
Complex and Rare Bone Disorders
(Professor dr. Carola Zillikens)
We study the mechanisms of complex and rare bone disorders, aiming to find novel therapeutic targets for treatments of disurbances in bone and mineral homeoatasis.
Our projects
Complex Diseases -- Prof. dr. André Uitterlinden
In 2019 the Board of Directors endorsed this Genotyping on ALL patients (GOALL) project as a strategic goal within Erasmus MC. The project delivers tools, pipelines, and structures for using genetic information in the clinic such as polygenetic risk scores, Mendelian mutation panels, and pharmacogenetics. (Koers 23)
Population Genomics of Locomotor Diseases and Ageing -- Prof. dr. Joyce van Meurs
The interplay between MGP and VitK in the ethiology of osteoarthritis. We have recently identified MGP to be involved in osteoarthritis through a genome-wide association study. This project aims to elucidate how decreased function of MGP/ VitK affects cartilage/bone homeostasis and confers risk to osteoarthritis.(Reumafonds) 2017-2020
VOILA. Vitality oriented lnnovation for the Lífecourse of the Ageing society (ZonMW)
FOCUM. (Reumafonds)
FEROA. ldentification of the female specific etiology and risk groups for osteoarthritis (ZonMW-GENDER) 2017-2020
Translational Skeletal Genomics -- Prof. dr. Fernando Rivadeneira
Genomics of Musculoskeletal Traits Translational Network (GEMSTONE) brings together a large international network of multidisciplinary experts seeking to translate genomic discoveries to the clinic. (EU COST Action)
Training network for research into bone Fragility In Diabetes across Europe (FIDELIO): towards a personalized medicine approach; one work package and two of the 12 ITN projects are coordinated by our group with special focus on genomic and gut microbiome research. (EU MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ITN)
Mendelian Genetics -- Dr. Annemieke Verkerk, UD
Genefinding in families with hereditary diseases.
Genetics of Lung fibrosis and leukemia (telomeric disease). (Coolsingelstichting; with dr. Leonie Vergouw)
Collaboration with professor dr. Carola Zillikens on Atypical Femur Fractures.
Microbiome Genomics -- Dr. Robert Kraaij, UD
Gut microbiome in dementia. (ZonMW-Memorabel)
Mrace MOVE. (Erasmus MC grant; with professor dr. Greet Vos)
Complex and Rare Bone Disorders -- Prof. dr. Carola Zillikens
Genetics of Atypical Femur Fractures (NHMRC Australia)
Key Publications
We publish extensively in major scientific journals, mainly through our international collaborations in consortia which result in highly cited papers. Please see publications in the profiles of our researchers.
Dissertations
Students who obtained their PhD degree in our group:
Micronutrients and Health in Older Population: Friend or Foe?
S. (Sadaf) Oliai Araghi, March 2021
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden / B.H.C. (Bruno) Stricker
Copromotor: J.C. Kiefte-de Jong / N. (Nathalie) van der Velde
Osteoarthritis: genetics and phenotypes in all their complexity
C. (Cindy) Boer, Dec 2020
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs
Sequencing, from blood to brain
J.G.J. (Jeroen) van Rooij, Dec 2020
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden / J.C. (John) van Swieten
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs
The interplay of bone and muscle in health and disease
K. (Katerina) Trajanoska,Oct 2020
Promotor: F. (Fernando) Rivadeneira
Copromotor: M.C. (Carolina) Medina Gomez
Bone and Phosphate in Relation to Health, Survival and Genetic Factors
N. (Natalia) Campos Obando, May 2020
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden / M.C. (Carola) Zillikens
Effects of Methyl-group metabolism and lifestyle factors on genome-wide DNA methylation
P.R. (Pooja) Mandaviya, June 2018
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden / J. (Jan) Lindemans
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs / S.G. (Sandra) Heil
Medication use, falls and genetic variants in an older population
A.C. (Annelies) Ham, June 2017
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden / B.H.C. (Bruno) Stricker
Copromotor: N. (Nathalie) van der Velde
What to eat for healthy bones? Epidemiological studies on diet, bone, health and frailty
E.A.L. (Ester) de Jonge, Dec 2016
Promotor: O.H. (Oscar) Franco / A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: F. (Fernando) Rivadeneira / J.C. Kiefte-de Jong
Disentangling the heterogeneity of bone accrual
M.C. (Carolina) Medina Gomez, May 2016
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: F. (Fernando) Rivadeneira
A journey full of pain through the general population
M. (Marjolein) de Kruijf, April 2016
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden / F.J.P.M. Huygen
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs
Integrating genomic approaches to understand ageing
M. J. (Marjolein) Peters, March 2016
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs
Epidemiological, Radiological and Genetic Aspects of Endocrine Bone Diseases
L. (Ling) Oei, Dec 2016
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: F. (Fernando) Rivadeneira
Hip osteoarthritis: genetics, epiemiological risk factors and burden of the disease
M.C. (Martha) Castaño Betancourt, March 2015
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs
The role of homocysteine in bone
A. (Anke) Enneman, Nov 2014
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: M.C. (Carola) Zillikens
Polysystic ovary syndrome: from phenotype to genotype
Y.V. (Yvonne) Louwers, Febr 2014
Promotor: J.S.E. (Joop) Laven / A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: L. (Lisette) Stolk
Sex differences in cardiovascular drug response
E.M. (Eline) rodenburg
Promotor: B.H.Ch. (Bruno) Stricker / A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: L.E. Visser
Dissection of the complex genetic architecture of human stature and osteoporosis
K. (Karol) Estrada, June 2012
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: F. (Fernando) Rivadeneira
Genetics of osteoarthritis: what a pain!
J.M. (Hanneke) Kerkhof, March 2012
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs
Genetics of estrogen-related traits; from candidate genes to GWAS
L. (Lisette) Stolk, Dec 2009
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden
Copromotor: J.B.J. (Joyce) van Meurs
M.C. (Carola) Zillikens, Oct 2009
Promotor: A.G. (André) Uitterlinden / B.A. (Ben) Oostra / C.M. (Cock) van Duijn
Collaborations
Collaboration within Erasmus MC
We have strong historic ties with the department of Epidemiology, in the creation and conduction of the Rotterdam Study of elderly and the Generation R birth cohort, Erasmus MC Research Core Facilities). Furthermore, we closely collaborate with the departments of Clinical Genetics, Clinical Chemistry, Orthopedics, Radiology and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Collaboration outside of Erasmus MC
Most of our work takes place in large international consortia of collaborating investigators, several of which we have initiated ourselves (e.g., GEFOS, CHARGE, ReproGen, GO; see links below)
Funding & Grants
Complex Diseases
(Professor dr. André Uitterlinden)
Koers 23
Population Genomics of Locomotor Diseases and Ageing
(Dr. Joyce van Meurs, UHD)
Reumafonds
ZonMW-GENDER
ZonMW
Reumafonds
Translational Skeletal Genomics
(Professor dr. Fernando Rivadeneira)
EU COST Action
EU MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ITN
Mendelian Genetics
(Dr. Annemieke Verkerk, UD)
Coolsingelstichting; with dr. Leonie Vergouw
(NHMRC Australia; with professor dr. Carola Zillikens
Microbiome Genomics
(Dr. Robert Kraaij, UD)
ZonMW-Memorabel
Erasmus MC grant; with professor dr. Greet Vos
Complex and Rare Bone Disorders
(Professor dr. Carola Zillikens)
Career opportunities
Our group offers career opportunities for talented genomics researchers. In addition we offer internships at academic and non-academic levels. Please inquire for vacancies or possibilities (e.vanveen@erasmusmc.nl).
Our team
| Principal Investigators | |
 |
 |
| Prof. dr. André Uitterlinden | Prof. dr. Joyce van Meurs |
 |
 |
| Prof. dr. Fernando Rivadeneira | Prof. dr. Carola Zillikens |
 |
 |
| Dr. Robert Kraaij | Dr. Annemieke Verkerk |
| Support | |
 |
 |
| Eline van Veen (secretariat) | Marijn Verkerk (IT support) |
| Postdocs | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Dr. Carolina Medina Gomez | Dr. Linda Broer | Dr. Cindy Boer |
 |
 |
 |
| Dr. Jeroen van Rooij | Dr. Ling Oei | Dr. Leonie Vergouw |
| PhD students (Prof dr. Joyce van Meurs) | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Arjan Bergink | Bahar Sedaghati Khayat |
Ingrid Kennis-Szilagyi |
 |
 |
|
| Lieke Kuiper | Yahong Wu | |
| PhD students (Prof dr. Fernando Rivadeneira) | |||
 |
 |
 |
|
| Olja Grgíc | Fjorda Koromani | Enisa Shevroja | |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Samuel Ghatan | Ruolin Li | Xinpeng He | |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Haojie Lu | Jiawei Li | Artemis Gkitakou | |
 |
|||
| Danielle Ratsma | |||
| PhD students (Dr. Robert Kraaij) | ||
 |
||
| Djawad Radjabzadeh | ||
|
PhD students (Prof dr. Carola Zillikens) |
||
 |
 |
 |
| Denise van de Laarschot | Jinluan Chen | Vivi Zhou |
 |
 |
 |
| Ariadne Bosman | Komal Waqas | Tracey Lu |
 |
||
| Zografia Zervou | ||
"Our research group is closely connected to the Human Genomics Facility, which provides services to internal and external customers.
| Human Genomics Facility | ||
| Management: Prof. dr. André Uitterlinden & Prof.dr. Joyce van Meurs | ||
| Support | ||
 |
 |
 |
|
(Projectmanagement) |
Eline van Veen (Secretariat) | Marijn Verkerk (IT) |
| Bioinformaticians | ||
|
 |
 |
| Dr. Linda Broer | Dr. Costanza L. Vallerga | Joost Verlouw |
 |
||
| Jard de Vries | ||
| Lab technicians | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Mila Jhamai (Labmanagement) | Pascal Arp | Ramazan Buyukcelik |
 |
 |
 |
| Michael Verbiest | Zara Alawi | Thomas Koet |
 |
 |
|
| Pawan Ramessersing | Mandu Nistiman | |
